He lived nearly 2,000 miles away when Seau spent 13 seasons in San Diego, becoming a local icon and fan favorite.

But lately, that gap doesn't seem so wide, he says.

Players reported to Chargers Park for voluntary offseason workouts Thursday, less than 24 hours after Seau, a retired 12-time Pro Bowler, committed suicide in his Oceanside home. He was 43.

“Even though we didn't play together,” Rivers said, “and I didn't know him really, he was a Charger and a fellow player. You feel connected even though he may not have been a teammate or a buddy. It's sad.

"There's different guys on our team — (tight end) Randy McMichael comes to mind, who played with him in Miami — who might be a lot closer to him. But anytime news of guys who played in this league, their life is shortened for any reason, you do feel like you knew them or in some way are tied to them.”

Some said Thursday they've seen and interacted with him at local charity events. Others remembered his visit last summer during training camp when he addressed the team.

He was someone with whom they could relate, having been through the league and back in a 20-year career.

As a rookie, Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer shared a huddle with him in 2002, the veteran's final year with the team. Seau was traded to the Dolphins, where he teamed with McMichael from 2003 to 2005.

Rivers entered the league in 2004 and met Seau in 2006 when the linebacker announced he'd retire, or “graduate,” from the NFL.

Four days later, Seau went for his doctorate, signing with New England and playing another four seasons.

While with the Ravens, outside linebacker Antwan Barnes crossed paths with Seau, meeting him Dec. 3, 2007, following a loss to the Patriots during New England's perfect 16-0 regular season.

“I came up to him and said my name and that I was a big fan of him," Barnes said. "He was like, 'Oh, OK. Hey, buddy. How are you doing?' I told him I was a rookie and this and that, and he said, 'You have a lot to learn' ...

“The first thing you do is you pray for the family. He had kids that were left behind. That's the first thing you think of is his kids."

Growing up in Alabama, Rivers said when he thought of the Chargers, he pictured Seau, an exciting linebacker who "played the game the way it's supposed to be played." And for it, he knew Seau was adored by fans.

Even so, Rivers says he's been struck by the local outpouring, adding that it goes to show what the San Diego native meant to the community.

Chargers nose tackle Antonio Garay called it a "sad day."

"Whether you knew him or you didn't know him," Garay said, "he affected a lot of people — friends, family, people that work within the organization, people from San Diego. You talk to a lot of people across the country, and I'm sure they're affected either by Junior the person or Junior the football player.”